Do not be a mug be on the ball when buying the Three Lions brand says Enfield Council

Enfield Council trading standards officers seized a batch of suspected fake England merchandise today as part of their crackdown on World Cup conmen.

Trading Standards officers confiscated over 20 England mugs in Edmonton Market while on the look-out for bogus England football shirts, flags scarves and other items with the "three lions" emblem on them.

Councillor Chris Bond, cabinet member for environment said:"This proactive operation was carried out in defence of legitimate traders and England football fans from being ripped off this World Cup. Our trading standards officers will continue to hunt down these conmen to ensure Enfield residents can roar on England in a genuine Three Lions shirt!"

The 50 drinking mugs which were removed from a discount store in the market and will be sent off to be tested for their authenticity at the Football Association.

Shoppers can watch out for tale tale signs of bogus goods.

Cllr Bond said: "The best way to spot counterfeit goods is to think PRICE, PLACE AND QUALITY. Price, because if they are genuine England football kits they will cost from £36. Place, always beware of people selling from cars, pubs or on the street and quality, because fake goods generally have a poor finish - hopefully unlike England's strikers!"

Gary Morris, Senior Development Manager, St. Modwen , who is the landlord of Edmonton Shopping Centre said: "Following the discovery of counterfeit football merchandise at outlets at Edmonton Green, we fully intend to work closely with Trading Standards at Enfield Borough Council to eradicate the problem.

"The Council has expressed satisfaction with our Centre Management's measures to keep counterfeit goods out of Edmonton Green to date, and we are now liaising with our tenants to ensure that, between us, the sale of counterfeit goods is stamped out. As always we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable shopping environment for both our tenants and our shoppers."